Fairfield Cares is proud to sponsor Michael Wagler, Director of Iowa AARP to speak Saturday October 4th at Fairfield Arts and Convention Center Theater, 1:30-3:00.   His talk, “How AARP Can Help You” promises to be very informative and useful for everyone over the age of 50 and family members.  October 4th marks the first time a Director from AARP has spoken in Fairfield.  Michael will explain AARP’s offerings in rural Iowa as well as nationally and will answer questions from the audience.  

Michael has been a caregiver for both of his parents, which has led him to care passionately about the journey of caregivers and to become more actively involved with organizations that support caregivers in the community.  Now as Director of Iowa AARP, he is fulfilling his goal and helping all seniors in the state.

Over 330,000 Iowans are members of AARP.  For over 60 years AARP has been a well-established and highly respected organization strongly advocating for the needs of senior citizens.  As a nonpartisan entity, national AARP has been extremely effective fighting for lowering prescription drug costs, protecting Social Security, improving Medicare and Medicaid, empowering family caregivers, legalizing accessory dwelling units and much more.

Michael brings a wealth of experience to his new position as Director of Iowa AARP.  Since 2002, Michael worked in the Main Street Iowa program and led the coordination of technical assistance and grants for over 50 local community development nonprofits across Iowa which work on strengthening local economies. He currently serves on the Main Street America Board of Directors. In addition, Michael has served as a consultant to clients across the country by assisting with strategy development and fundraising strategies for arts, transportation, and economic development nonprofits. 

Fairfield Cares, a nonprofit organization established in 2018, will give a brief introduction and an update on the innovative resource, Helpful Village. The Fairfield Cares Helpful Village online database helps people contact volunteers and other critical resources when they are in need. Its main purpose is to help elders age at home in familiar surroundings and in so doing, build community and awareness.

Fairfield Cares coordinates volunteers to provide support for their neighbors who are dealing with chronic or acute health care issues. It is a community of people who want to participate in each other’s welfare. It values giving and receiving help while facing life’s challenges and, hopefully, aging in place at home.  

Fairfield Cares is delighted that Michael accepted its invitation to speak here and broaden Fairfield’s understanding of what is possible in helping our seniors age well.